Category: News

The loss of our brother, Robert Patrick Atkinson

It is with a heavy heart that we report on the death of Rob Atkinson, our active brother and student at Southwestern. We are all praying for Rob’s family, and his extended family, as we cope with the loss of someone so special.

As more information becomes available, we will post it on this site.

Copied here is the communication from SU President Jake Schrum to the Southwestern campus community.

Dear Members of the Southwestern Community,

Tragedy struck the campus Thursday night when senior Robert Atkinson was hit and killed by a car as he was crossing University Avenue around 8:20 p.m.

Rob was a leader on campus and was involved with numerous organizations, including the Theatre for Social Justice group and the Student Peace Alliance. His death is a tremendous loss for us, particularly coming at this time of year.

Those who knew Rob and would like to gather together today may do so at 1 p.m. in the ballrooms. We will keep you posted as additional services are scheduled. As always, members of our Counseling Services staff are available in the Robertson Center for those who need help coping with this tragedy.

Please keep Rob’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Jake B. Schrum
President

Local news coverage:
KVUE.com news report
KXAN.com story and video

Rob in his own words:

Students Unite for a Department of Peace
by Rob Atkinson

My motivation in doing political and social activism work is rooted in a strong spiritual desire for strengthening community identity and creating a normalization of compassion, which can be significantly furthered through political work. Along with being very involved in the Student Peace Alliance, I practice the Lakota spiritual tradition and am president of a Native American student organization on my campus, I am a musician, painter, and public speaker. I have also studied urban environmental sustainability through a collective I lived at last summer, and am looking forward to a possible internship this next summer working with nonprofit violence-prevention groups in central Texas. For me, it all boils down to political and social activism as a vehicle of spiritual integrity, and the deep joy that emerges when our abstract visions for a good world actualize into realistic and concrete initiatives.
—Rob Atkinson

Rob Atkinson – Teaching Peace Conference – Part 1

Iota Chapter Endowed Scholarship Awarded to Brother John "Johnny B" Burden

Thanks to all of the Brothers and friends of the Fraternity who have made contributions to Southwestern University in the name of the “Kappa Sigma Iota Endowed Scholarship Fund.”

Active Brother John “Johnny B” Burden was awarded the scholarship for the 2008/09 academic term.

Johnny B is pictured far left, with the group who participated in the SING competition at Homecoming.

SING_Johnny B

For those not familiar with the scholarship, here’s a full copy of the Memorandum of Understanding with the University

KAPPA SIGMA IOTA

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Memorandum of Understanding

This permanent endowment fund is established by the Iota Alumni Association, and shall be named and known in perpetuity as the Kappa Sigma Iota Endowed Scholarship.

The University agrees to invest the funds donated to this endowment in a prudent manner pursuant to the applicable endowment investment policies promulgated by the Board of Trustees of the University, as may be revised from time to time, and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Any policy to the contrary notwithstanding, the University agrees that all annual withdrawals from the Kappa Sigma Iota Endowed Scholarship Fund shall be applied at least annually to support the purposes described herein and shall not be applied to any other account or used or distributed in any manner except as provided below.

This Endowment is permanent, and therefore, only the annual withdrawals are available to support the purposes described herein. Annual withdrawals from the endowment shall be calculated by applying the spending formula determined by the Board of Trustees, as revised from time to time. The University shall endeavor to make the first scholarship distribution from this scholarship fund within the first year from the date this endowment reaches the collective funding level of $25,000.

Subject to the distribution provisions above, the University’s Office of Financial Aid shall award scholarships on an annual or semi-annual basis to students of the University who meet the characteristics set forth below as evaluated by the University annually or semi-annually.

First Preference: University students in good standing who are members of the Iota Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Among such eligible recipients, preference should be given to such members who demonstrate the highest levels of academic excellence and/or leadership in the University community.

Second Preference: If no University students meet the First Preference guidelines above, the annual withdrawal will be awarded to University students in good standing who are members of any fraternity which is traditionally social in nature (for example, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity or Kappa Alpha Order). Among such eligible recipients, preference should be given to fraternity members who demonstrate the highest levels of academic excellence and/or leadership in the University community.

Third Preference: If no University students meet the First or Second Preference guidelines above, the University may award the annual withdrawal to any University students of its choice.

The Fund shall become active when gifts to the fund attain a level of $25,000 or more.

Philanthropy a Major Focus for Active Chapter in 2008/09

Reporting on first semester activities of the active chapter during the recent Active and Alumni meeting during the Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Brother Martin Fergus, Philanthropy Chair, detailed the list of non-profit and charitable organizations benefiting from the energies of the Iota Chapter. These include:

  • Darfur Awareness Week in conjunction with Student Peace Alliance (also headed by Brother Fergus)
  • Voter Registration Drive: resulting in 85 newly registered voters
  • Red Cross volunteering in support of Hurricane Ike relief
  • The Caring Place of Georgetown, volunteering in support of the local area food bank and donation center
  • Lymphoma research, a fundraising effort with all-night volleyball on the lawn

Next semester, the actives have plans to support the Fisher House, a charitable support network providing housing and accommodation for military families. This effort is part of the  Kappa Sigma National Fraternity campaign to raise $100,000 in support of the Fisher House.

Brother Jeremiah Jarrell Finishes IRONMAN Florida

Finishing 84 out 236 participants in his age group, in an impressive overall time of 11:01:56, Jeremiah completed his first Ironman triathlon on November 1, 2008 in Panama City Beach Florida.

The 10th annual Ford Ironman Florida saw a total of 2,200 participants, who like Jeremiah, spent the better part of a year, often training 30-40 hours per week to reach their goal of completing this event.

To this writer’s knowledge, Jeremiah may be the first Iota Brother to complete a full length Ironman, comprised of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike course, and a full 26.2 mile marathon.

Please extend your congratulations to Jeremiah! He’ll be at Homecoming, less than a week since his big race.

Great job Miah!

FREE T-shirts for Homecoming

Hello Kappa Sigmas, spouses, friends,

I have printed up COMMEMORATIVE, limited-edition T-shirts for this year’s Homecoming.

To get your FREE Commemorative limited-edition T-shirt, all you have to do is  pay your ALUMNI DUES for 2008 ($60) and you get a FREE T-shirt. Pre-pay your 2009 dues, and get the same deal. If you want more than one, the T’s are $20 each. This is for the charity of Kappa Sigma. All of the proceeds will go to the Kappa Sigma Alumni Fund and to help one active pay his active dues for the semester.

To PRE-ORDER your shirt, please respond by email with your size preference. If you are not coming to Homecoming and want it shipped to you, please specify that in the email. I will include shipping in the cost of the shirt. $20 per shirt. Why not order some for the whole family?

I have Men’s T-shirts and Tank Tops, sizes:  L, XL, and XXL.

I also have tank tops (sleeveless T’s) for WOMEN!!! The sizes are S, M, and L for the ladies. Larger sizes for men.

I will take credit cards or checks for the T-shirts now. At Homecoming, on November 7th, I will be selling the shirts for cash, check or credit card.

AEKDB

Sincerely,

Alan Haworth
(214) 750-2006 Direct
DSCN3371

DSCN3352

Iota Alumni News: Fall / Homecoming Edition

Volume 1: Issue 3

Feature stories – Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2008

Calling all Homecoming Queens!
Brother William McCall ‘88 has issued a challenge. He urges Iota Chapter Alumni and the Active Chapter to participate in the 100th Year of Southwestern Homecoming with a float in the Saturday morning parade down the Academic Mall. All past Queens are likewise invited to make one more showing! [Read more]

Family to Dedicate Plaque in Chapter House Honoring Brother Craig Grayum
Please join us for the Open House, 4 PM on Saturday, where the family of the late Craig Grayum will present a plaque to be on permanent display honoring Craig.

Enjoy Lunch on the Mall and Dinner at the House
For Saturday eating, plan on eating lunch on the Academic Mall, tickets available for purchase as part of Southwestern’s Homecoming registration.

For dinner, the Active Chapter will provide a catered meal for alumni, friends and family. Swing by the House to reserve your spot and purchase tickets when you get into town.

Tickets: Single – $15, Couple – $25, Family – $30

For questions, contact Colin Elliott (Alumni Relations) on (832) 643-3666.

Iota Chapter Homecoming Weekend Schedule

Friday November 7
7:00 PM Poker Game/Tournament

Saturday November 8
11:30 Homecoming Parade
12:00 – 2PM Picnic on the Mall
2:00PM Alumni/Active Meeting – new time 
4:00PM Open House
6:00PM Dinner at the House (RSVP & payment required for catered dinner)
7:00PM Kappa Sigma Reception at the Alumni Hospitality House
8:00PM SING

Sunday November 9
10:00 AM Coffee and Donuts

Resource Links:
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Website – register now!
SU: “Alumni Connection Groups

Alumni Business

The number of alumni brothers participating in annual “Alumni Dues” continues to grow
Membership dues to the Iota Chapter Alumni Association are a suggested minimum contribution of $60 per year. Many brothers, especially younger alums, have opted for a monthly credit card donation. Contact Alan Haworth, Treasurer, by phone (214) 536-6268 or email to set-up a regular donation.
Of course, you may also send a check, payable to Iota Chapter Alumni Association to the address listed below:
Alan Haworth
9135 Drumcliffe Ln
Dallas, TX 75231

Alumni on the Web

On the Iotachapter.org Web site, check out the “Links” section to Alumni on the Web. Many Iota brothers are active online, personally, professional, academically, and charitably and we’ll take advantage of the Iota Chapter Web site to serve as a hub for this rich collection of online content.

Next Issue of Iota Alumni News:
To submit news, notes, or ideas for Iota Alumni News, please contact Jonathan Goodman at 817.923.1997 or jbgoodman (at) alumni (dot) southwestern [dot] edu

Homecoming 2008 Schedule of Events

Friday November 7

7:00 PM Poker Game/Tournament 

Saturday November 8

11:30 Homecoming Parade (where are you Homecoming Queens?)

12:00 – 2PM Picnic on the Mall

2:00PM Alumni/Active Meeting (NEW TIME!)

4:00PM Open House

6:00PM Dinner at the House* (RSVP & payment required for catered dinner)

7:00PM Kappa Sigma Reception at the Alumni Hospitality House

8:00PM SING

Sunday November 9

10:00 AM Coffee and Donuts

NOTE: Watch this page for schedule changes.

Resource Links:
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Website – register now!
SU: “Alumni Connection Groups”

New Active Leaders Prepare for Fall Semester

This past Saturday, August 30th, the incoming Executive Committee Officers held a leadership retreat at the residence of Alumni Advisor Marshal Crenshaw in Walburg, Texas.

Joining the actives were representatives of the Alumni including Alumni Scribe Jonathan Goodman and Alumni Board member Chris Mathers. Brothers Love and Bulter also contributed to the planning sessions.

A complete update will be coming the Iota Alumni eNewsletter in the coming days. If you’re not already receiving the Alumni eNewsletter, please use the sign-up form to the right join our mailing list.

Our next Iota Alumni Alumni Association membership meeting will take place during the weekend of Homecoming, November 7-8. Save the date and we hope to see you at the House this Fall.

Alumni & Active Retreat Scheduled for August 30

For all active and alumni leadership and any brother who’d like to attend (it’s an open meeting):

Before the start of the Fall Semester, the active and alumni will meet to coordinate fraternal strategies and tactics.

Date: August 30
Time: 11am – whenever
Place: Marshal’s house in Walburg

Agenda items:

  • Fall rush
  • House
  • Homecoming
  • Other new business

Please save the date and plan to attend.

Iota Chapter eNewsletter: Spring 2008

Feature stories

Article highlights Rev. Chuck Merrill’s Legacy
According to Trish Merrill, anyone who knew her late husband Chuck knows that he cared most about peace and justice. In the months following the death of Reverend J. Charles “Chuck” Merrill ’59, Trish and long-time friend and fraternity brother Bruce Barrick ’71 conceived of a way both to honor Chuck’s legacy and to further the social justice issues for which he cared deeply. [Read more]

Crandell Addington ’61 of San Antonio featured in local business press
According to the San Antonio Business Journal, “Local entrepreneur and former professional poker player Crandell Addington says the stuffed rattlesnake on his office coffee table helps to keep people honest during business meetings.” [Read the full article here]
More of Brother Addington on the Web:
On Wikipedia
Lecturing at Harvard Law

News & Notes

  • Alumni Treasurer, Brother Alan Haworth visited the 1960’s Kappa Sigma Reunion in Salado and filed this report. [Read the post on Iotachapter.org]
  • Southwestern recently ended the 2007/2008 academic year. With graduation and the end of the academic term, the Alumni Association gained six new members, and the Active Chapter initiated 10 brothers.
  • Kappa Sigma alumnus David Craig Stanford, Class of ’82, and wife Tava Miyata Stanford announced the birth of their twins, Lucille Louise Stanford (LuLu) and Canter Kazunori Stanford (Kaz), born November 11, 2007.  Craig now ranks the third oldest father of newborns in the United States, behind David Letterman (2nd) and the now deceased Tony Randall (1st).

Events: Past & Future

Alumni Weekend 2008
In pictures
By the numbers

Homecoming 2008, Calling all Homecoming Queens!
Brother William McCall ‘88 has issued a challenge. He urges Iota Chapter Alumni and the Active Chapter to participate in the 100th Year of Southwestern Homecoming with a float in the Saturday morning parade down the Academic Mall. [Read more]

Alumni Business

The percentage now participating in “Alumni Dues” annual giving continues to grow
Membership dues to the Iota Chapter Alumni Association are a suggested minimum contribution of $60 per year. Many brothers, especially younger alums, have opted for a monthly credit card donation in the range of $10-20 dollars. Contact Alan Haworth, Treasurer, by phone (214) 536-6268 or email to set-up a regular donation.
Of course, you may also send a check, payable to Iota Chapter Alumni Association to the address listed below:
Alan Haworth
9135 Drumcliffe Ln
Dallas, TX 75231

Alumni on the Web

On the Iotachapter.org Web site, check out the “Links” section to Alumni on the Web. Many Iota brothers are active online, personally, professional, academically, and charitably and we’ll take advantage of the Iota Chapter Web site to serve as a hub for this rich collection of online content.
Here are a few examples of blogs I’ve been reading:

Send me your own content or those of your brothers to share.

 

Next Issue of Iota Alumni News:
To submit news, notes, or ideas for Iota Alumni News, please contact Jonathan Goodman at 817.923.1997 or jbgoodman [at] alumni [dot] southwestern [dot] edu

Dispatch from the ’60’s Kappa Sigma Reunion in Salado

Brother Alan Haworth (Alumni Treasurer) traveled to the Stagecoach Inn at Salado, TX, for an evening over the weekend of May 16-18 as a inter-generational emissary to the Iota Brothers from the decade of the 1960s. Here are a few thoughts from Alan:

30-40 guys from the 1960s gathered at Salado’s Stagecoach Inn for the weekend. I attended the dinner/happy hour on Friday only

Brother John Roark was great at introducing me around the happy hour. The conversations were constructive and I learned a lot. They encouraged more people our age to come to their weekends in May/June. They have been doing them in Sulpher Springs for four years. They also mentioned that they would like to know the dates of Homecoming and Alum Weekend earlier.

After dinner, John Roark introduced me again and I gave an update on the house, scholastics, new initiates [numbering] 10, and everything that went on last summer with renovations. They all seemed very excited to hear the good news and wanted to come around more. I also talked up the 125th anniversary that is coming soon [in 2011].

I think I met every person and got good feedback from David Wilson, Jack Irons, John Roark, Hank Smith, and others.

Overall, I felt like they WANTED to know more people our age. I felt like they were impressed that so many guys from the 90s are lawyers/doctors and successful professionals. I think they were even SURPRISED.

AEKDB,

Alan

Thanks Alan, for your report and for representing those from 90s so well.

So, everyone, mark your calendars now for either the last weekend in March or the first weekend in April 2009 for Alumni Weekend (dates to be confirmed, watch this space).

Homecoming 2008 will take place November 7-9, 2008.

To the Brothers of the 1960s, we’d love an invitation to visit your reunion weekend next year. We promise not to crash the party. In the spirit of fraternity and brotherhood, we’d love to get to know you all.

Calling all Homecoming Queens!

Brother William McCall ’88 has issued a challenge. He urges Iota Chapter Alumni and the Active Chapter to participate in the 100th Year of Southwestern Homecoming with a float in the Saturday morning parade down the Academic Mall.

In particular, William seeks out past Iota “Homecoming Queens” to dust off their tiaras and make it back for this centennial event. While this particular Iota tradition may be a bit opaque and unfamiliar to those deprived of the parade tradition, I’m told all of you queens know who you are and that you’re wanted back for another hurrah.

In any case, even if you swore off women’s clothes the day you stepped off campus after graduation, we’d love to have you identify yourself for posterity and make it back for Homecoming 2008, November 7-9. Drop a comment on this blog post or sent a note to William.

For those who were courtiers and not queens, we can use your help too (remind us who the queens were) and of course we want to see you back on campus this Fall just as much!

Save the date for Alumni Weekend 2008: April 4-6

Attention all alumni:

Mark your calendars now for the annual Alumni Weekend – to take place over the weekend of April 4-6th.

Compared to our other annual gathering during the Southwestern Homecoming Weekend, you’ll recall Alumni Weekend as much less formal affair. Friendly Friday night card playing gives way to a nice Saturday gathering on the lawn with a group lunch for the whole family. Then Active vs. Alumni softball with the Spring Pledge Class (rumored to be numbered in the double digits) officiating with the utmost impartiality and fairness, followed up by an evening of live music and fellowship.

Bring yourself, your family if you like, your softball glove, and a big appetite!

We look forward to seeing you in April!

AEKDB.

Iota Alumni Newsletter: Winter 2008

Upcoming Events

Active & Alumni EC & Leadership Retreat
Dates: January 12-13
Venue: Marshal Crenshaw’s House in Walburg
Start time: Noon, Saturday, January 12
Agenda: Active and alumni business, 2008 planning
Who should attend?

  • Active and alumni officers
  • All active and alumni brothers in good standing are welcome

Lunch provided, so please RSVP to either Marshal or Jonathan

Alumni Weekend 2008
A final announcement will be made after the EC Retreat in January, but tentatively plan for April 4-6 for the annual Spring Semester Alumni Weekend.
Note: the Brown Symposium XXX will take place April 3-4, so it may be a great time to take an extended weekend trip to Georgetown.


News & Notes

Texas man of letters, Nate Blakeslee ’92, acclaimed book being made into a movie
Nate Blakeslee, senior editor at Texas Monthly Magazine, and author of the widely acclaimed book, Tulia: Race, Cocaine, and Corruption in a Small Texas Town, will soon add movie credits to his body of work. “Tulia” is a movie adaptation currently in production and due out in 2008. John Singleton is directing, and Variety reports that Billy Bob Thorton and Halle Berry will star in the film.

Other links by and about Nate:
Google Books -Tulia: Race, Cocaine, and Corruption in a Small Texas Town
“Everyone’s Poop” by Nate Blakeslee, TexasMonthly.com
Southwestern Who’s Who From SU?
Top 10 Books on Investigative Journalism

Association negotiates insurance claim after summer rain water damage
Many of you across the state of Texas experienced the massive rainfall of spring and summer 2007. Central Texas experienced some of the worst flooding and water-related property damage and our House was no exception. The House Corporation/Alumni Association has concluded a claim with our insurance provider HRH Kirklin & Co., LLC for water damage as a result of the heavy summer rains. Damage was done to the wood flooring and sub-flooring, the cosmetic elements of which were fixed during the summer repairs by actives and alumni. Important structural work remains to be done by professionals and this settlement will help toward that end. Financial details of the claim will be reported during our upcoming leadership retreat and via the Treasurer’s report in advance of Alumni Weekend in April. We wish to thank several brothers who offered ideas and suggestions to facilitate this process, including Tanner Garth, Dan Middlebrooks, Joe Abel, Russell Ramsey, and Pat Sparks. Outgoing Treasure Charles Bedard led the effort and all dealings with our insurance provider which led to this favorable outcome.

Alumni respond to the end of year call for donations, alumni dues
Matthew Browning ’97, Matthew Barnes ’06, Dr. Harvel Loveless ’69, Mike Ooi ’98, and Thomas Hambleton ’76 each responded with a donation/membership dues to the Alumni Association since Homecoming. If you have also donated but have not been recognized here, please send me a note to the alumni Scribe, and thank you for your contribution!

Membership dues to the Iota Chapter Alumni Association are a suggested minimum contribution of $60 per year. Many brothers, especially younger alums, have opted for a monthly credit card donation in the range of $10-20 dollars. Contact Alan Haworth, Treasurer, by phone ((214) 536-6268) or email to set-up a regular donation.

Of course, you may also send a check, payable to Iota Chapter Alumni Association to the address listed below:
Alan Haworth
9135 Drumcliffe Ln
Dallas, TX 75231

Alumni on the Web:
As part of future updates to the Iotachapter.org Web site, we’ll be adding an “Alumni on the Web” section. Many Iota brothers are active online, personally, professional, academically, and charitably and we’ll take advantage of the Iota Chapter Web site to serve as a hub for this rich collection of online content.

Here are a few examples of blogs I’ve been reading:
Crosscountry Adventures, by Isaac Smith ’02
Unsquare Dance, by Jeff James ’04 (also our IotaChapter.org Web master)
grog blog, a caveman designer blog, by Chet Lofgren ’00
Starr Tincup, by Bret Starr ’95
Team Goodman, by Jonathan Goodman ’98

Photography:
Jeremy Cottrell ’98 on Flickr

Submit your own content or those of your brothers to share.

Next Issue of Iota Alumni News:
To submit news, notes, or ideas for Iota Alumni News, please contact Jonathan Goodman at 817.923.1997 or by email.

EC Retreat Location & Details

Alumni Advisor, Marshal Crenshaw has graciously offered his house in Walburg as the venue for this weekend’s EC Retreat.

Directions and details will be sent via email.

We’ll begin the day at Noon Central, Saturday, January 12 and go until we get too hungry to continue. Some basic accommodations are available for those who wish to stay the night.

Again, all are welcome. Active and Alumni leadership are expected.

AEKDB

Sign up for alumni news

If you’re not getting emails from the Iota Alumni Association, please use the sign-up form in the right-side column to add your name and email address to our alumni database.

In an effort to save on printing and postage costs, we’re going to conduct as much communication as we can electronically. Not to mention we can save a few trees in the process.

So help us out and add your information. We’re missing 100+ email addresses from brothers of every generation. So if you’re speaking with a bro whose not getting the news, send him here, or sign him up yourself.

Disclaimer: You will receive timely and relevant chapter news. You will also certainly get a fundraising email! Sign up today!

New Grand Treasurer calls for donations

[excerpt from a message from newly elected Alumni GT, Alan Haworth]

Brothers,

I have been elected as the new Treasurer for Kappa Sigma Iota.

I know that this has been a busy year for donations of money and time; and YOU are the ones who gave. I’m asking for a favor as we head into the holiday season. As you speak with old PB’s and alums from your era, please push them to make an end of the year contribution. Please pass this message along to everyone at KE that you can think of. If everyone sent me a check for $15, we can make all of our end of year commitments: paying for the deck loan, house taxes, and fire alarm system.

Please send all donations to::

Alan Haworth
9135 Drumcliffe Ln
Dallas TX 75231

My plan for the future is pretty simple. I have a list of Iota alumni. I am going to call them all and sign them up for a monthly contribution.

End of the year is very busy for me, but January is slow and I will have plenty of time to call. So send me a check, and I won’t have to call you!

AEKDB,
Alan